Follow us:

Be thankful for: A team that is still alive for the playoffs at Thanksgiving. I could have made a joke here about being thankful that Daniel Snyder hasn't done anything to embarrass himself or the organization in at least a week, but I didn't do that. Ron Rivera's team has cycled through three quarterbacks but has looked mostly competent. No one's going to throw a parade for winning the NFC East, but at least Washington still has something to play for going into Week 12.

Their game with the Cowboys will put the winner in first place. Can you believe it? The defense will have to come up big.

Offensive ascent has essentially coincided with QB Alex Smith's return to lineup. The WFT has scored 20+ points in four straight games for the first time in three years.

What they're thankful for: QB Alex Smith

In a year that has been occasionally bad or dreadful for this franchise, Smith has served as a feel-good story. There are some talented young players in Washington, notably receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive end Chase Young, but Smith's play -- coupled with his two-year recovery from a horrific leg injury -- serves as an inspiration. On the field, Smith gives Washington a shot to finish strong. His knowledge and comfort in the offense has been evident and his calmness rubs off on the others. Even if Washington doesn't win a bad division, Smith has helped develop its young players with his experience and wisdom. -- John Keim

Alex Smith's incredible comeback feels complete now. He survived the injury, put in the endless rehab, got cleared, earned a spot on the roster, worked his way up the depth chart, cracked the lineup, and now, for the first time in more than two years, won a start. Smith's performance in a 20-9 win over the Bengals was on brand in its understated efficiency (17 of 25 for 166 yards and a touchdown), and there's little question he's the most qualified quarterback to be leading Washington in its chase for a division title. A Thanksgiving Day matchup with the Cowboys provides another showcase for Smith and his amazing journey -- it will be hard not to root for him while you eat your turkey.